[Updated] In “anticipation of intense boating activity in the Great Sound,” the America’s Cup Bermuda is “coordinating a temporary sea turtle relocation project,” in which “sea turtles will be netted based on methods used successfully for turtle tagging operations and temporarily relocated inside a purpose-built ocean enclosure” near the Aquarium in Flatts.

The statement from the Government said, “In anticipation of intense boating activity in the Great Sound in late May and June 2017, America’s Cup Bermuda [ACBDA], in consultation with the Ministry of the Environment and relevant environmental organisations, is coordinating a temporary sea turtle relocation project.

“The aim of the temporary relocation is to significantly reduce the risk of harm to sea turtles due to the increased volume of marine traffic in the Great Sound over the coming weeks.

“Sea turtles will be netted based on methods used successfully for turtle tagging operations and temporarily relocated inside a purpose-built ocean enclosure near the Bermuda Aquarium Museum and Zoo [BAMZ] in Flatts. The area was chosen for its favourable location, depth of seawater, low impact on other species and proximity to expertise in animal husbandry.

“BAMZ will be responsible for caring for the turtles and will follow guidelines for holding sea turtles in captivity. Collection is beginning now in order to minimise the time in captivity. By July the turtles will be back in the same area where they were originally collected.

“ACBDA has worked closely with the Ministry of the Environment, BAMZ and a variety of experts with years of experience in the field in order to facilitate this project.”

Mike Winfield, CEO of the ACBDA said “There will be a vastly increased level of marine traffic in the Great Sound in late May and June. We turned to Bermuda Environmental Consulting, our Environmental advisors, and they have coordinated a multi-agency group bringing in the needed expertise from the Government of Bermuda’s Environmental team for all aspects of this operation.

“We began and continue with the objective of capturing the turtles safely, looking after them during the enhanced traffic volume period and then returning them to their habitats.”

Dr. Ian Walker, Principal Curator of the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo said “The ACBDA came to the scientific community expressing concern about the level of marine traffic in the Great Sound in May and June and asking for assistance in minimizing the risks this could present to marine wildlife.

“Working with local sea turtle experts, the team collectively developed a plan to capture and relocate these animals in late May and June which is expected to reduce the risk to animals while keeping them in a safe and humane manner.

“BAMZ is experienced in caring for sea turtles for long periods both for exhibits and for rehabilitation and we are committed to providing the best care possible for them before returning them back to their natural habitat at the conclusion of the event.”

The Ministry added, “Local boaters will be aware that the numbers of turtles in Bermuda’s near shore waters have increased significantly over the past couple of years. In part this is thanks to successful turtle conservation efforts both locally by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, BAMZ and the Bermuda Zoological Society and others throughout the Greater Caribbean region.

“The boating public is encouraged to assist in the conservation of sea turtles by travelling at slower speeds and strictly observing no wake zones, being on the watch for turtles and encouraging other boaters to also be on the lookout for turtles. If you find an injured or deceased sea turtle call the Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre on 297 1010 or VHF Channels 16 or 27.”

What are you talking about??? I’m in the water week in and week out and can factually tell you that the turtles are everywhere!! just as the article tells you, the turtles are being captured and relocated for safety reasons. If what you said is true then they would not be doing this. Please, stop lying so openly.

Even the wild life have to sacrifice for AC! They usually say pay attention to your atmosphere – it tells you more than you want to know!! Save the turtles – I agree but let’s hope none die in relocation!

The motor boats in Bermuda drive irresponsibly and the conservationists know it. AC is so environmentally friendly driven that they are prepared to pay for the extra mile and protect them. Thank you AC for all that you are doing for Bermuda and its environment.

Good news. As silent & as fast as those cats are, turtles don’t stand much of a chance seeing or hearing them. Now, if only something could be done about the jetskis. Turtles don’t have a hope against them.

Jet skis do not have propellers and I have yet to hear of any turtles being hit by jet skiers. I have arranged for 5 dead turtles to be taken to the Aquarium for autopsies. Two had strangled on abandoned fishing line, the other three had deep lacerations consistent with being struck by a propeller.

Jet Skis are turtle killers. Everyone goes like a bat out of hell on them! As far as AC and their use of the waterways where turtle feed, we can ignore it and many will die or we can work hard to protect the turtles and keep as many as possible as safe as possible with people who know how to do that. Thus the choice to protect is the best. I for one am grateful for the efforts.

Agreed @Gray Matter. A hugely important and positive preventive act. The protection and safety of our turtles by professionally trained people is a unintended consequence but nonetheless significant output of ACBDA. Thank you.

Grey matter and Triangle Drifter, jet skis do not have propellers and I have yet to hear of any turtles being hit by jet skiers.As a jet ski tour guide I have arranged for 5 dead turtles which I have come across to be taken to the Aquarium for autopsies. Two had strangled on abandoned fishing line, the other three had deep lacerations consistent with being struck by a propeller.

It may seem like nonsense but I think it will be a good thing as it will definitely save turtles from injury and death. Pity more isn’t done like this when we have power boat racing in Ferry Reach a well know turtle area.

Wow talk about spin……be honest…….this is all about saving expensive boats from being damaged. Everyone is happy that the AC is concerned about the turtles but I watched a video this weekend of one of those catamarans, traveling at a nice clip, hitting something (the commentator said it may have been a dolphin) and it stopped DEAD.

We are very fortunate to have an abundance of environmentalist and marine researchers in Bermuda. Why not contact any one of them, or the Aquarium, the Ministry of the Environment, or the organizers of the Bermuda Turtle Project for answers to your many questions posed in the comment section. Wouldn’t that be more helpful than speculation?

Why not institute a 5 knot rule for the Great Sound an hour before and after the races? This would reduce the impending mayhem at least from the spectator fleet as a boat traveling at 5 knots will have a chance of seeing a turtle in time to avoid it. My concern is that turtles swim so taking some out of the race course does not negate more swimming into the area.